I am writing in support of your call for an Extraordinary Session to be held before the end of the year. In addition to the important fiscal issues that must be dealt with, I respectfully recommend that redistricting reform be added to the agenda.

For several years, I’ve carried legislation in the Assembly for redistricting reform (A.6721) to create legislative districts based on common communities and not political power blocks. Assemblyman Michael Gianaris also sponsors a redistricting reform bill on his side of the aisle (A.05279). These are just two redistricting reform measures that could be considered during an Extraordinary Session called by you.

There's no better time for the legislature to finally enact true non-partisan, independent redistricting reform than this year when it’s after an election and several members of the legislature are in their final term. There's already a majority of legislators who have signed New York Uprising’s redistricting reform pledge – so the votes are there if this is allowed to come up for a vote. If redistricting reform is passed this year, this change to the constitution would then be able to come before the legislature again next year and be on the ballot in 2012. Given the support for redistricting reform now – there’s no reason to delay.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 518-370-2812. Thank you for your consideration.